A Study From Design of Human Nature in Machiavelli

Abstract

To shape his ideas, Machiavelli breaks with the vision of man left by Christian philosophy, which stated that men naturally return to social life. In an attempt to control the natural tendency to act for its own benefit, the Florentine proposes mechanisms that can ensure a life focused on the community. If men were all good, there would be no problem in acting with kindness and pity, but otherwise the ruler will know ruin if he despises this selfish nature. In order to establish a well-organized society, Machiavelli proposes attitudes condemned by Christian morality. In order to keep men united, the prince must reconcile the different desires of his citizens with the ideal of the common good. But for this to happen without exterminations and unruly atrocities, a morality must be followed. This new conception of moral judgment is inspired by the political practices of antiquity, especially that of Rome in its republican period, and also by the great leaders such as Moses, Cyrus, and Theseus.